Play gym with character canopy

ABSTRACT

A play gym for a child, comprising a mat, a toy bar and a canopy, wherein one or more of the mat, the toy bar and the canopy are configured to resemble a character such as an aquatic ray. In example forms, the canopy includes a flexible structural support hoop and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop, and the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop so that the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,627 filed Mar. 7, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,122 filed Sep. 15, 2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children's accessories, and more particularly to a play gym having character based entertainment and canopy features.

BACKGROUND

Children's play mats or play gyms are used to provide a designated space for infants and other small children to play. Play gyms may be used independently, or in some instances may be used in connection with children's play-yards, entertainers, or other types of child containment or child entertainment devices.

Continuing developments and improvements are sought in the field of children's accessories. It is to the provision of an improved children's play gym or play mat having character based entertainment and canopy features that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention relates to a play gym having character based entertainment features. In example forms, the character based entertainment features include a shaped canopy positioned over a play gym base or mat, including character elements and/or lighting and/or sound entertainment features.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a play gym for a child, the play gym preferably comprising a mat, a toy bar and a canopy, wherein one or more of the mat, the toy bar and the canopy are configured to resemble a character.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a children's play gym including a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon. The children's play gym preferably also includes a toy bar having a first end secured at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end secured at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the play area from the first portion, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area. The children's play gym preferably also includes a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy defining a head end and a tail end, wherein the tail end of the canopy attaches to the back of the play mat, and wherein an upper portion at or toward the head end of the canopy attaches to the arched support of the toy bar.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a canopy for a children's play gym, the canopy including a head end, a tail end, a first detachable coupling configured to attach the tail end of the canopy to a play mat, and a second detachable coupling configured to attach to a toy bar. The canopy preferably also includes at least one character feature presenting the appearance of a creature selected from a natural animal creature, a fanciful animal creature, an aquatic creature, a batoid, and a ray.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a canopy for a children's play gym, the canopy including a head end, a tail end, a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop, wherein the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis. Optionally, the canopy further comprises a brim or outer portion extending beyond at least a portion of the periphery external of the support hoop.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a children's play gym including a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon, the play mat having a front, a back, a first side and a second side, with the play area defined between the front and the back and between the first and second sides. The children's play gym preferably also includes a toy bar having a first end secured at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end secured at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the first portion, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area. The children's play gym preferably also includes a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy comprising at least one character feature presenting the appearance of an aquatic ray.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a children's play gym including a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon, the play mat having a front, a back, a first side and a second side, with the play area defined between the front and the back and between the first and second sides. The children's play gym preferably also includes a toy bar having a first end connected to the play mat along the first side, a second end connected to the play mat along the second side, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area. The children's play gym preferably also includes a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy having a head end, a tail end, a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop. The fabric portion is preferably retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a play gym having character based entertainment features according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a profile view of the peripheral shape of a canopy portion of the play gym according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a character based canopy portion of a play gym according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a character based canopy portion of a play gym according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a play gym having character based entertainment features according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the play gym of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a sequence of folding or compressing a character based canopy portion of a play gym in an example mode of use according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an internal support ring component of a play gym canopy according to an example embodiment the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show additional details of detachable coupling portions for mounting and removing a canopy to a play mat in a play gym according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a play gym 10 having character based entertainment features according to an example embodiment of the invention. The play gym 10 generally comprises a pad or mat 20, a toy bar 50, and a canopy 80. The mat 20 optionally defines a tear-drop shaped outer periphery or profile, as shown in FIG. 1A, with a generally circular front portion having a pointed or more sharply radiused rear or tail end. In alternate embodiments, the pad or mat has a circular, square, rectangular, polygonal or otherwise shaped peripheral profile. The mat 20 optionally comprises a connector feet 22 or mat extensions having one or more couplings 24 at opposite sides of the mat for detachably or permanently attaching the toy bar 50 to the mat. In alternative embodiments, the connector feet may be plastic components detachably or permanently coupled to the mat 20, or may be attached to one other separately from the mat such as by a connector panel or strip extending beneath the mat to secure the ends of the toy bar at or adjacent opposite portions of the mat. In still further alternative embodiments, the ends of the toy bar 50 are directly or indirectly attached at or adjacent opposite sides or portions of the mat 20, for example by engagement through retention openings in the mat, by sleeves or straps attached to the mat, by fasteners, or otherwise. The mat 20 is optionally padded and/or textured for comfort and aesthetics, for example formed of a foam or batting-filled fabric enclosure or other soft goods material. Optionally, surface entertainment features 30 corresponding to the theme of the character (for example having the appearance of coral, fish or other marine objects for an aquatic-themed character), are applied to the mat 20. The surface features 30 may be printed on the mat 20 or can be different materials having differing textures attached to the mat with adhesive, stitching or other attachment means. Optionally, the mat 20 further comprises a collar or upright wall portion 36 extending upwardly from at least a portion of its outer periphery. The collar or upright wall portion 36 optionally includes one or more entertainment or toy features, for example forming an opening or tunnel within which a tethered toy or puppet can be attached and or moved.

The toy bar 50 comprises an arcuate or semi-circular tube or bar having a first end 52 attached at one side of the mat 20, and a second end 54 attached at a generally diametrically opposite side of the mat. Optionally, one or more entertainment features 60, such as toys, rattles, mirrors, mobile elements, etc. are suspended from or otherwise removably or permanently attached to the toy bar 50. The toy bar can be configured as a substantially rigid element formed to have the desired curvature, or can be a flexible member configured to be bent into the desired shape and supporting itself by internal resilience or flexural stiffness of its material(s) of construction.

In example embodiments, the canopy 80 comprises a mesh and/or other fabric or soft goods material 82 applied over a wire, fiberglass or other structural support hoop structure or rim 84. In example forms, the structural support hoop or rim structure 84 is flexible but has sufficient stiffness and resiliency to provide shape and structural support to the canopy 80; and the soft goods portion 82 is flexible and is retained at least partially in tension by the structural support hoop. In this manner, the support hoop 84 and soft goods 82 work in combination with one another to define the shape and form at least a portion of the structural support of the canopy. In example embodiments, the soft goods portion 82 has a central strip or panel of solid (non-mesh) fabric extending from a tail end to a head end of the canopy, and a pair of mesh wing portions along opposite sides of the central panel. The soft goods portion 82 is preferably attached to the support hoop 84, for example by a fabric sleeve, straps or otherwise, entirely or about a substantial portion of its periphery, to retain the soft goods in tension across the support hoop in at least one direction, and optionally in multiple or all directions.

The canopy 80 is preferably detachably coupled to the mat 20, or alternatively can be permanently attached to or a continuous extension of the mat. The canopy 80 preferably takes the shape of a character, for example an animal. In the depicted embodiment, the canopy is configured to resemble a character in the form of a batoid or winged aquatic creature such as a ray, skate stingray, or the like, having side portions of the canopy resembling wings of a ray or skate, eye features 90, coloration and color patterns resembling those of a natural animal or a fanciful animal-based character, etc. In alternate embodiments, the canopy is configured to resemble other aquatic creatures, land animals, humanoid, robot or other character types. The canopy 80 can be supported by a rib 86 attached at one end to the mat 20 defining a tail end of the canopy, and at an opposite second end to the toy bar 50 defining the head end of the canopy. In example embodiments, the rib 86 may comprise an auxiliary toy bar extending through a sleeve running along the canopy between the tail end and the head end, one or more flexible stiffening member(s) attached to or extending along the canopy, and/or integral support material within the canopy. Alternatively, the canopy 80 can be self-supporting, with its support hoop 84 and the tension of its fabric portion 82 providing structural support and retaining the canopy in a desired shape, position and configuration.

The canopy 80 optionally further comprises one or more electronic entertainment features such as for example one or more lights 100 provided on the underside of the canopy, viewable by a child resting on the mat 20. The lights 100 can be spaced in an array, for example along one or more linear strips, circular rings, or other patterns, or can be randomly placed. The lights 100 are optionally connected to electronic control means and a power source on the canopy 80, the mat 20, or elsewhere on the device or remote from the device, optionally illuminating the lights according to a desired sequence or pattern, or simply on/off controls. Other electronic features are optionally provided, for example speakers and a sound source for playing music, voice or other sounds, a vibration unit, heater elements, video display, electromagnetic drives for toys, or other features for entertainment or comfort of the child using the play gym 10, and/or for convenience of the child's adult caregiver. In further optional embodiments, the entertainment and other electronic features are remotely controllable by an adult caregiver, for example using a wireless or connected remote control device, such as for example a WiFi or BlueTooth enabled device such as a smart phone or tablet computer.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show another example embodiment of a canopy 180 for use in connection with a children's play gym. FIG. 2 shows the upper side of the canopy 180, and FIG. 3 shows the underside of the canopy. The canopy 180 includes a mesh and/or other fabric or soft-goods panel 182 attached to an outer rim 184, and character features such as eyes 190 and tailfins 194. One or more mounting or attachment couplings 195 are optionally provided along the tail end of the canopy 180 for attachment to the rib 86, the mat or other portion of the play gym. In example form, the attachment coupling(s) are in the form of attachment straps having hook-and-loop fastener tabs for attachment to a corresponding coupling portion of the mat 20 and/or an optional canopy support structure provided over the mat. The canopy 180 optionally also includes forward attachment straps 205 for example having hook-and-loop fastener tabs for attachment to the toy bar or other canopy support structure of the play gym. In alternative embodiments, the canopy includes a sleeve configured to receive the support rib 86, for example a sleeve or fabric tube extending lengthwise and generally centrally along the canopy, from at or adjacent the tail end toward the head end. Alternatively, one or more clips, hooks, snap-couplings or other attachment means are provided for connection between the canopy and the support rib and/or between the canopy and the toy bar. A generally circular ring or otherwise configured pattern of light elements 200 is optionally provided, for example embedded in the canopy between inner and outer fabric layers thereof, in a position visible from the underside of the canopy by a child resting on a mat below and optionally also visible from the exterior side of the canopy.

In use, the mat 20 of the play gym is laid out on a floor or other support surface, the toy bar 50 is attached directly or indirectly to or secured along or adjacent opposite side portions of the mat, and the canopy 80 is attached to the mat and/or to the toy bar. A child can rest or play on the mat, and interact with the entertainment features 60 of the toy bar and/or entertainment features 90, 100 of the canopy 80. After use, the components of the play gym are optionally disassembled for storage or transport, and can be reassembled for later use as desired.

FIGS. 4-8 show another example embodiment of a play gym 210 according to an example embodiment of the invention. Similar to the above described embodiment, the play gym 210 generally comprises a play mat 220, a toy bar 250 and/or other canopy support structure, and a character based canopy 280 configured to be supported over the play mat. The mat 220 includes extension bases or mounting hubs 222 having couplings to which feet 252 at each end of the toy bar 250 are attached. One or more surface entertainment features 230 are optionally applied or attached to the mat 220. The mat 220 optionally includes an upper fabric panel, a lower fabric panel, and padding between the upper and lower fabric panels for comfort. A wall or panel 236 optionally projects generally upright from the mat 220 about at least a portion of its periphery. Optionally, an opening or passage 238 is formed through the upright wall 236, for passage of a toy or puppet, or otherwise interacting with the child from outside of the play gym 10. The upright wall or panel 236 optionally includes support straps 240 having hook-and-loop attachments or other fastening means, for attachment with the toy bar 250 for additional structural support.

The toy bar 250 can be configured as a flexible resilient member capable of being bent from an initially straight configuration into an arcuate or curved configuration to form an arch, with sufficient internal resilience and stiffness for support; or alternatively can be a rigid or substantially rigid arcuate or angled arch or support member. In example embodiments, the toy bar comprises a flexible internal foam bar or tube, for example having a generally circular cross-sectional profile, with a fabric tube or sheath covering the internal member. One or more toys or other hanging entertainment features 260 are optionally suspended from the toy bar 250 and/or from the inside of the canopy 280 where a child lying or seated on the mat 220 can play or interact with the hanging entertainment features. The toy bar 250 optionally includes one or more fabric loops, for example stitched onto its fabric covering, to which hooks or C-shaped clips may attach for engagement of the hanging entertainment features 260. The toy bar 250 optionally includes one or more couplings or attachment features at its feet or ends 252 for detachable, permanent or semi-permanent attachment with the mounting hubs 222 at or adjacent first and second portions of the mat 220 opposite the play area from one another, and also at a medial portion at or adjacent the top of the toy bar for detachable, permanent or semi-permanent attachment with the canopy 280. In example embodiments, the couplings or attachment features can take the form of straps, hook-and-loop attachment material, snap fittings, clips, screws, rivets, adhesive, or the like. In alternate embodiments, the ends of the toy bar 250 are secured at or adjacent opposite portions of the play mat 220, for example by a crossbar or strip of fabric or other material extending between the ends of the toy bar and under the play mat, by attachment through openings near the periphery of the mat, by attachment loops, fasteners, or other securing means.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show additional detail of the canopy 280, and an example manner of use in folding or compressing the canopy into a compact configuration for storage or transport. Similar to the above described embodiment, the canopy 280 includes fabric or soft goods material 282 applied over a wire, fiberglass or other structural support hoop structure or rim 284. In example forms, the structural support hoop or rim structure 284 is flexible but has sufficient stiffness and resiliency to provide shape and structural support to the canopy 280; and the soft goods portion 282 is flexible and is retained at least partially in tension by the structural support hoop. In this manner, the support hoop 284 and soft goods 282 work in combination with one another to define the shape and form at least a portion of the structural support of the canopy. In example embodiments, the soft goods portion 282 has a central strip or panel of solid (non-mesh) fabric extending from a tail end to a head end of the canopy, and a pair of mesh wing portions along opposite sides of the central panel. The soft goods portion 282 is preferably attached to the support hoop 284, for example by a fabric sleeve, straps or otherwise, entirely or about a substantial portion of its periphery, to retain the soft goods in tension across the support hoop in at least one direction, and optionally in multiple or all directions.

FIG. 7 shows the support hoop 284 with the fabric portion 282 removed. In example forms, the support hoop 284 is a fiberglass or wire tube or shaft bent into the shape of a closed ring, with its ends attached to one another, for example by a ferrule or sleeve coupling member 285 or other attachment means. The support hoop 284 is optionally bent into a teardrop shape or other desired configuration according to the character or figure of the canopy 280; or alternatively returns to a generally circular ring when unconstrained, and tension applied by the fabric portion 282 conforms the support hoop 284 to its desired shape or configuration. In example embodiments, the canopy 280 takes the form of a natural or fanciful animal or creature, and in the depicted embodiment takes the form of an aquatic ray having a pair of eyes 290 projecting outwardly from an exterior surface, a mouth along an underside or interior surface, at least partially transparent mesh wings allowing visibility through at least a portion of the canopy for interaction between a child under the canopy and an adult outside of the canopy, and a spotted central fabric portion. In example embodiments incorporating an aquatic-themed creature such as a batoid or ray, the mat surface, hanging toys, and other entertainment features of the play gym may also be aquatic themed, for example in the form of fish, sponges, mermaids, coral or other aquatic animals or plants, waves, boats, sailors, divers, pirates, seagulls, and the like.

An electronics housing 295 is optionally provided on the canopy 280, for example positioned on the exterior side of the canopy at or adjacent its tail end, where it may be easily accessed by an adult caregiver, but out of reach of a child within the play gym 210. The electronics housing 295 optionally includes an audio player, speakers, batteries or other power sources, audiovisual equipment, electronic communication components, electronic controls, and/or other features and equipment. The canopy 280 optionally also includes one or more lighted features, such as for example colored or uncolored LED lights 300 embedded between inner and outer fabric layers of the canopy, for example configured as a ring, as one or more stripes, and/or otherwise configured. In example embodiments, one or more of the lights 300 are visible from either inside or outside the canopy, and/or from both inside and outside the canopy. The electronic control housing 295 optionally includes controls for the lights 300, including power on/off, intensity, flashing pattern and/or timing, and/or controls for other electronic features, such as an audio unit. Optionally, the flashing pattern of the lights can be synchronized with music, speech or other audio generated. In example embodiments, the electronic features are self-contained onboard the canopy 280, such that the canopy is removable from the toy bar 250 and mat 220, and usable independently thereof, for example as a sunscreen or an entertainer.

The overall flexible nature of the canopy 280 allows it to be reconfigured easily between positions for use, and twisted and folded into a compact configuration for storage and transport. FIG. 6A shows the canopy 280 in a generally flat or planar equilibrium configuration. FIG. 6B shows the canopy 280 in a partially tensioned position, which its head and tail ends curved downwardly, its medial portion curving convexly upward, and its side wings extending arcuately outward and upward from the center. In this configuration, it will be seen that the canopy 280 forms a three-dimensional body defining a multi-axial arcuate curvature. Along a head-to-tail axis (between the eyes 290 and the electronic housing 295), a central portion of the canopy 280 curves downwardly at the head and tail ends, and curves arcuately upward along its medial portion between the head and tail. And along a transverse wing-to-wing axis (generally perpendicular to the head-to-tail axis), exterior wing portions curve upwardly from both sides of the central portion of the canopy. In this manner, the structural support provided by the support hoop 284 and the tension retained on the fabric 282 result in a substantially self-supporting structural assembly, allowing the canopy to retain its desired winged ray shape when held at two spaced points along the head-to-tail axis. And as shown in FIG. 6C, the support hoop 284 of the canopy 280 may be twisted into a figure-8 configuration, and folded upon itself into a more compact stacked double loop or helical configuration for storage and transport.

The canopy 280 optionally further comprises an additional canopy support spine 320 extending along at least a portion of its head-to-tail axis. In the depicted embodiment, the canopy support spine 320 extends through a sleeve formed between interior and exterior fabric panels of the central portion of the canopy 280. In example forms, the canopy support spine 320 is constructed in similar fashion to the toy bar 250, for example comprising a flexible resilient foam core with a fabric covering. An upper end of the canopy support spine 320 exits the fabric sleeve at an upper opening 330 in the underside of the canopy 280 proximal its head end, and attaches to a center top portion of the toy bar 250. A lower end of the canopy support spine 320 exits the fabric sleeve at a lower opening 332 proximal the canopy's tail end, and attaches to the back of the play mat 220. In example embodiments, the upper end of the canopy support spine 320 detachably couples to the toy bar 250 by a generally T-shaped tube coupling having a receiver for releasably engaging the end of the support spine. In example embodiments, the lower end of the canopy support spine attaches through a fabric sleeve 340 at the back of the play mat.

In use, the play gym 210 forms a partially covered and partially enclosed space having multiple entertainment features for a child playing therein. An adult caregiver can easily access the play space through the opening formed beneath the head end of the canopy 280 bounded by the arch of the toy bar 250. Entertainment features available for the child include the mat surface entertainment features 230, hanging entertainment features 260, lights 300 and additional electronic entertainment features, and the character configuration of the canopy 280. The canopy can be detached from the play mat 220 and toy bar 250 for independent use and play, including use of its onboard electronic features. The toy bar 250 is optionally also detachable from the play mat 220, and one or more of the components are foldable or collapsible for compact storage and transport when not in use.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A children's play gym comprising: a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon; a toy bar having a first end secured at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end secured at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the play area from the first portion, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area; and a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy defining a head end and a tail end, wherein the tail end of the canopy attaches to the back of the play mat, and wherein an upper portion of the canopy attaches to the arched support of the toy bar.
 2. The children's play gym of claim 1, wherein the character further comprises at least one character feature presenting the appearance of a creature.
 3. The children's play gym of claim 2, wherein the creature is a natural or fanciful animal.
 4. The children's play gym of claim 3, wherein the natural or fanciful animal is an aquatic animal.
 5. The children's play gym of claim 4, wherein the aquatic animal is a ray.
 6. The children's play gym of claim 4, further comprising at least one aquatic-themed entertainment feature.
 7. The children's play gym of claim 1, further comprising at least one surface entertainment feature on the play mat.
 8. The children's play gym of claim 1, further comprising at least one hanging entertainment feature suspended from the toy bar.
 9. The children's play gym of claim 1, further comprising at least one lighted entertainment feature on the canopy.
 10. The children's play gym of claim 1, wherein the attachments between the canopy and the play mat and between the canopy and the toy bar are detachable and re-attachable, allowing the canopy to be used in a first mode of use with the play mat and toy bar, and also to be used in a second mode of use independent of the play mat and toy bar.
 11. The children's play gym of claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop.
 12. The children's play gym of claim 11, wherein the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis.
 13. The children's play gym of claim 12, wherein the canopy forms a three-dimensional body defining a multi-axial arcuate curvature with a central portion of the canopy along the head-to-tail axis curving downward at the head and tail ends and curving arcuately upward relative to the head and tail ends along a medial portion between the head and tail ends, and with exterior wing portions curving upwardly from both sides of the central portion of the canopy along a transverse wing-to-wing axis generally perpendicular to the head-to-tail axis.
 14. The children's play gym of claim 11, wherein the flexible structural support hoop is configured to be twisted and folded upon itself into a compact configuration.
 15. The children's play gym of claim 1, wherein the play mat further comprises a generally upright wall extending at least partially around the play area.
 16. The children's play gym of claim 1, further comprising detachable couplings between the first and second ends of the toy bar and the play mat.
 17. A canopy for a children's play gym, the canopy comprising a head end, a tail end, a first detachable coupling configured to attach the tail end of the canopy to a play mat, and a second detachable coupling configured to attach to a toy bar, the canopy further comprising at least one character feature presenting the appearance of a creature selected from a natural animal creature, a fanciful animal creature, an aquatic creature, a batoid, and a ray.
 18. The canopy of claim 17, further comprising at least one lighted entertainment feature embedded in the canopy.
 19. The canopy of claim 17, wherein the canopy further comprises a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop.
 20. The canopy of claim 19, wherein the fabric portion at least partially comprises a mesh material which is at least partially transparent, allowing visibility therethrough.
 21. The canopy of claim 19, wherein the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis.
 22. The canopy of claim 21, wherein the canopy forms a three-dimensional body defining a multi-axial arcuate curvature with a central portion of the canopy along the head-to-tail axis curving downward at the head and tail ends and curving arcuately upward relative to the head and tail ends along a medial portion between the head and tail ends, and with exterior wing portions curving upwardly from both sides of the central portion of the canopy along a transverse wing-to-wing axis generally perpendicular to the head-to-tail axis.
 23. The canopy of claim 19, wherein the flexible structural support hoop is configured to be twisted and folded upon itself into a compact configuration.
 24. A canopy for a children's play gym, the canopy comprising a head end, a tail end, a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop, wherein the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis.
 25. The canopy of claim 24, wherein the canopy forms a three-dimensional body defining a multi-axial arcuate curvature with a central portion of the canopy along the head-to-tail axis curving downward at the head and tail ends and curving arcuately upward relative to the head and tail ends along a medial portion between the head and tail ends, and with exterior wing portions curving upwardly from both sides of the central portion of the canopy along a transverse wing-to-wing axis generally perpendicular to the head-to-tail axis.
 26. The canopy of claim 24, wherein the flexible structural support hoop is configured to be twisted and folded upon itself into a compact configuration.
 27. The canopy of claim 24, wherein the fabric portion at least partially comprises a mesh material which is at least partially transparent, allowing visibility therethrough.
 28. The canopy of claim 24, further comprising at least one lighted entertainment feature embedded in the canopy.
 29. A children's play gym comprising: a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon, the play mat having a front, a back, a first side and a second side, with the play area defined between the front and the back and between the first and second sides; a toy bar having a first end secured at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end secured at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the first portion, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area; and a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy comprising at least one character feature presenting the appearance of an aquatic ray.
 30. A children's play gym comprising: a play mat for resting on a support surface, and defining a play area for receiving a child thereon, the play mat having a front, a back, a first side and a second side, with the play area defined between the front and the back and between the first and second sides; a toy bar having a first end connected to the play mat along the first side, a second end connected to the play mat along the second side, and a medial portion between the first end and the second end forming an arched support extending over the play area; and a canopy configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the play mat, the canopy comprising a head end, a tail end, a flexible structural support hoop, and a fabric portion having a periphery attached to the flexible structural support hoop, wherein the fabric portion is retained at least partially in tension on the flexible structural support hoop, whereby the canopy forms a substantially self-supporting structural assembly when held at two spaced points along a head-to-tail axis. 